Waiouru host vets

Ruapehu Bulletin, 10 September 1991, Page 5

Waiouru host vets

BYJO HOWIE Ex servicemen and women who served in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Borneo Confrontation and the Vietnam War assembled in Waiouru last weekend for a special memorial service. The memorial service included the presentation of a leather bound memorial book which contains the Roll of Honour of those who died in those areas of conflict. The memorial book was handed to thfe Commander of ATG, Colonel Clive Sinclair, at Sunday's memorial service. Colonel Sinclair stated that the book will serve as an important reminder to comrades and others of those who gave their lives in those areas. Colonel Sinclair assured the service that the Roll of Honour book will be put on display in the Army Museum. In all, four Roll of Honour books have been produced and were unveiled at a special service in April, at the Auckland Museum's Hall of Memories. The other three memorial books will go to the National Library in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Back to barracks lt was a case of back to Waiouru for most of the Veterans attending the memorial weekend. They were accommodated in 8man barrack rooms

which they thoroughly enjoyed. "It was just like the old days," said one KForce Veteran, "and all the boys had a great time." Throughout the weekend the visitors were hosted by the Waiouru Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. The Ex Malayan Association presented the Mess with a plaque in memory of 'Chesty' Chesterfield, a local ex-serviceman who was killed in a road accident.recently. Mr Barry Cackett, who is the National President of the Ex Malayan Association, said he was very pleased with the response to attend the weekend. Over 200 people turned out for the weekend or part of it. "It's great to see old friends, and so many old faces," he said.

Sunday's memorial service for the dedication of the Roll of Honour book was held at the flag station outside ATG. The service was led by the Rev Alan Dunn from the Korea Force Association and the Rev Wayne Toleafoa, a resident Padre.